John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We found him quite constructive about this issue. The committee sends Mr. Boucher its good wishes for his retirement, that is, if he is not intending to do something completely different, which would not surprise me. We would like to ask the person who will replace him to have more regard to the nature of the replies in completing these questionnaires, which are of assistance to the committee. When I inquired with the witnesses about questions Nos. 27 and 28, the other banks were more forthcoming with their information.

The representatives of Bank of Ireland might want to review how they answer such questions. From my perspective as Chairman, I have gone through one round of meetings with the banks and the Central Bank. I am speaking about the witnesses from Bank of Ireland or from any other bank when I suggest it is fair to say that the game of dodging the bullet in any way possible, in response to the questions that are asked in this questionnaire or by Members of the Oireachtas, is over. I want to send that message clearly to those present today and to the officials in all the other banks. The answers that have been given to certain questions will simply not be acceptable when they come before this committee in future. There will be a far rougher journey for those who decide to present us with obfuscation and smoke and mirrors in order to talk their way out of these issues. That is not going to happen anymore. In terms of compensation, I want to see far greater engagement with and response to the customers who have been knocking on our doors for a number of years now. Those who are holding this up need to put their hands up and write the cheques. That message needs to be sent loud and clear to whoever comes next. I thank the witnesses for their attendance. We look forward to further engagement with them. We will hear from representatives of AIB at our next meeting on 26 September. I am sure they are listening with great interest.